Difference between revisions of "Letters"

The first letter, written by Hoid to Frost,{{wob ref|2682}} argues for the danger presented by [[Rayse]], the vessel of Odium, hoping to draw Frost out of his oath of nonintervention.{{epigraph ref|sa2|74}} Hoid points out that Rayse was dangerous even before taking the Shard of Odium upon himself, and thus if [[Ati]] could be so corrupted by the Shard of [[Ruin]] then Rayse will only be made worse. Hoid cites the ShatteringSplintering of [[Devotion]] and [[Dominion]] on [[Sel]] as proof of the threat Odium presents. He then dismisses concerns of his own biases and asks Frost to call off the members of the [[Seventeenth Shard]] who have been hunting for him on Roshar before making his final plea.{{epigraph ref|sa1|12}}

I received your communication, of course. I noticed its arrival immediately, just as I noticed your many intrusions into my land. You think yourself so clever, but my eyes are not those of some petty noble, to be clouded by a false nose and some dirt on the cheeks. You mustn't worry yourself about Rayse. It is a pity about Aona and Skai, but they were foolish--violating our pact from the very beginning. Your skills are admirable, but you are merely a man. You had your chance to be more, and refused it. No good can come of two Shards settling in one location. It was agreed that we would not interfere with one another, and it disappoints me that so few of the Shards have kept to this original agreement. As for [[Uli Da]], it was obvious from the outset that she was going to be a problem. Good riddance. Regardless, this is not your concern. You turned your back on divinity. If Rayse becomes an issue, he will be dealt with.

Did you expect anything else from us? We need not suffer the interference of another. Rayse is contained, and we care not for his prison. Indeed, we admire his initiative. Perhaps if you had approached the correct one of us with your plea, it would have found favorable audience. But we stand in the sea, pleased with our domains. Leave us alone. We also instruct that you should not return to [[Obrodai]]. We have claimed that world, and a new avatar of our being is beginning to manifest there. She is young yet, and--as a precaution--she has been instilled with an intense and overpowering dislike of you. This is all we will say at this time. If you wish more, seek these waters in person and overcome the tests we have created.    

The third letter is written by [[Sazed]], the vessel of [[Harmony]], evident in the writing patterns, the reference to two diametrically opposed Shards, and his relative ignorance regarding Adonalsium. While Harmony does not dispute Hoid's claims, he feels unequipedunequipped and expresses a hesitancy to offer any support before he is able to place any trust in the man, of whom he knows nothing about. He requests that Hoid visit him directly before taking any action of his own.{{epigraph ref|sa3|53}}

{{for|Rhythm_of_WarRhythm of War/Epigraphs#The Letter|a list of the excerpts in each chapter's epigraph}}

The sixth letter is in reply to [[Hoid]]. It is also written by [[Sazed]], the vessel of [[Harmony]], again evident in his writing patterns and, mention of his relative youth, and talk of being made up of Ruin and Preservation.

I did receive your latest communication. Please forgive formality on my part, as we have not met in person. I feel new to this role, despite my years of holding it. You will admit to my relative youth, I think. I have been fascinated to discover how much you’ve accomplished on [[Scadrial]] without me noticing your presence. How is it that you hide from Shards so well?<br/>

I have reached out to the others as you requested, and have received a variety of responses. Much as you indicate, there is a division among the other Shards I would not have anticipated. [[Endowment]] at least responded to my overtures, though I have not been able to locate [[Invention]] again following our initial contact. [[Whimsy]] was not terribly useful, and [[Mercy]] worries me. I do think that [[Valor]] is reasonable, and suggest you approach her again. It has been too long, in her estimation, since your last conversation. The deaths of both [[Devotion]] and [[Dominion]] trouble me greatly, as I had not realized this immense power we had was something that could be broken in such a way. On my world, the power always gathered and sought a new Vessel.<br/>

That said, the most worrying thing I have discovered in this was the wound upon the SpirtitualSpiritual Realm where [[Ambition]], Mercy, and Odium clashed - and Ambition was destroyed. The effects on the planet [[Threnody]] have been….disturbing. Other Shards I cannot identify, and are hidden to me. I fear that their influence encroaches upon my world, yet I am locked into a strange inability because of the opposed powers I hold.<br/>